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Planning commission backs rezoning for Kalona Shipyard amid community objections
Summary
The Norfolk Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a conditional rezoning that would return about 9.5 acres on West Indian River Road to industrial use for shipyard operations, subject to proffered environmental and site-control conditions, after residents raised concerns about dust, noise and outreach.
The Norfolk Planning Commission on July 15 recommended that city council approve a conditional change of zoning to allow Kalona Shipyard Incorporated to operate industrial shipyard uses on roughly 9.5 acres along West Indian River Road and Emmett Place. The commission’s approval was tied to proffers requiring a site plan and remediation work to address erosion and Chesapeake Bay preservation-area violations.
The matter matters to nearby homeowners because the site sits adjacent to residences in the Berkeley neighborhood; several residents said they have endured years of dust, noise and vehicle traffic they attribute to shipyard activity. Opponents asked the commission to postpone action until Kalona completes more intensive outreach and environmental review.
Staff presented the site history and the applicant’s proffers. The property was…
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